Has the “Idomeneo” controversy prompted a worthy discussion in defense of inferior art? “Whether or not the production goes forward next month, issues about artistic freedom and intimidation by special-interests groups – all very important – are being raised on behalf of a production that could well be an embarrassment to other daring opera directors, and to opera in general. … Hans Neuenfels, the Berlin ‘Idomeneo’ director, is among the least credible of Europe’s high-concept directors. Though I haven’t seen this production, his past work has exemplified artistic license so out of control that it becomes high-budget provocation.”